Who doesn't love a good before and after story. So here it is. I have about 10 other projects I have not had the chance to get photographed yet -- so hopefully, there will be a sequel to this soon. But I thought it would be fun to compile a few of the fun renovation stories in the hospitality industry that I've been involved in. I love redoing, renovating and refreshing old outdated motels, boutique-size hotels and teaming up with amazing firms like TruexCullins Architecture and Interiors (who I've done 5 fun projects with so far and looking forward to many more) on design projects and refresh projects. These are just a few of the projects I've had the privilege of designing for -- whether it's just a budget-friendly refresh or an all out -- let's take it down to the studs -- I'm game! If you know of an amazing motel, small hotel, inn or bed and breakfast, that could use a little love -- let me know -- I'll help bring it back to life! xoxo Joanne

It has been busy here! So thrilled and excited with everything that is going on: First copy of Styling with Salvage book should arrive today, just named "one of the country's top creative people" by Country Living Magazine, design work --Bear Mountain Inn in Maine renovations started, Lawson's Finest Tap room is going up as I write this, the renovations to the bakery/restaurant now owned by James Beard Award Winner, Christain Kruse, Vergennes Laundry by CK, is complete, vacation barn/house redo mid-construction, Aspenti Health office spaces almost complete, and many more projects. But today, I'm exciting to share with you -- Main and Mountain Motel in Ludlow, Vermont! (insert drumroll). Eliza and Justin have opened the bar and are about to open their motel rooms. This place used to be called All Seasons and it sits on Main Street, just down the road from Okemo Mountain, the ski area. So hence the awesome new name, Main and Mountain, Bar and Motel. Notice the Bar comes first...that is because is has the most amazing lounge/bar in town. We turned a tiny lobby and the managers apartment in a fabulous space for everyone to enjoy. We are even turning the overgrown front lawn into a hangout spot, with gas fireplace and all. I can't wait for you all to see it... Opening January 2018!

Here is what the lobby used to look like!

How cute are Eliza and Justin -- the first day I meet with them in the old lobby. Now look at their cool space!

Almost done! Few design details to finish up :)

Before picture -- of one of the nicest rooms.

Almost done -- the green plaid shower curtains have arrives as well as the new blankets for the ends of the bed -- to add some color! Photo by Lindsay Selin.

Only thing missing in this picture is the awesome painting of trees on the wall by the bed. More pictures to come soon. Photo by Lindsay Selin

Why I love what I do! It isn't just about a cool design. It is about helping people who really want to bring back to life an old motel, inn or hotel, restaurant but don't have a big corporate budget behind them. This is about people who work for themselves, who work really hard to make things happen in their local community -- who live and work there and want to create their own successful business. I love this kind of work because I really am making a difference in lives and they truly appreciate what I bring to the table. Here I am with one of the owners of Main and Mountain (which used to be the run-down All Seasons Motel). Eliza, is a lovely young lady and her partner, Justin, are a joy to work with--and that's what it is all about. PEOPLE. Have fun. Work hard. Be Nice. Photo by Lindsay Selin

If you are looking for a last-minute easy gift idea -- look no further than my latest book. It comes out in April but the PRE-ORDER is available now :) I've made a fun postcard (that gives the content chapter titles for you as well) and a holiday greeting from me. It is as easy as a click to order your copy today! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. xoxo Joanne

Yes, I know I haven't written since April...where does the time go? Be prepared for a long but fun post. Gabrielle graduated high school and is getting ready to leave for college in a few weeks -- Wahhhhhaaaaa! Thankfully, we had a great family trip before she heads out. I'm not sure I'm ready but thankful I have some amazing projects to keep me busy.

As you saw from the last post, it was an honor to be a part of the TruexCullins design team for the MOTEL MAKEOVER in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and their website is live. Check it out... Mountain Modern Motel. The MARINA store remodel at Gaines Marina, in New York is also finished! Visit their facebook page for all the fun things they do.

I love that Motels are making a come-back. Bringing these oldies but goodies back to life is one of my favorite things to do. I'm currently mid-way through a ROADSIDE MOTEL renovation in Okemo, Vermont. Stay tuned.

Looking for a VACATION RENTAL in Lake Fairlee, Vermont? You will love the new kitchen design and the fabulous birch tree wall in the bedroom (already a huge hit on Instagram). We are just days away from the completion of the remodel. I'll post the rental link when it's up!

The remodel makeover continues at BASIN HARBOR CLUB with more updated cottages to dream away in and the BOAT CLUB BATHROOMS were fun to design. Check out the renovated LODGE ROOMS, LOBBY and CLUB ROOM...so much to see and do at BASIN HARBOR CLUB .

STYLING WORK for Gardener's Supply Company, Eating Well Magazine, and Verilux Lights has continued to inspire me...check out the pictures below.

Next...I'm about to dive into a VACATION HOME renovation (barn converted into home), cool designs have begun for a TAP ROOM for one of your favorite Vermont specialty beer companies, early-phase of design connecting for a complete makeover for an INN in Maine, and beginning a RESTAURANT project for an incredible chef! Don't forget to come and visit me at my upcoming DIY and Design PRESENTATION for the next COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE FAIRS (September in Ohio).

PHEW...this should keep me from crying in my soup when Gabrielle packs her bags for college. Who am I kidding? I'm going to bawl like a baby.

One of the guest bedrooms in the vacation rental on the lake -- keeping the costs down with some really simple -- yet bold -- decorating ideas -- including a photo wall mural of birch trees! More to come on this as well.

This vacation rental redo will be really fun to tell you about soon! Almost done.

With all the rain this summer, my peonies were amazing!

The DIY's at the Country Living Fairs sponsored by Jo-Ann's Fabrics have been a huge success. I'm doing two more at the fair in Columbus in Septemeber.

We were able to get away on a family vacation and we sailed the Greek Islands on the Sea Cloud -- trip of a lifetime!

I know, you guys rarely get to see my guy. Here we are in Santorini! :)

Close Up Details of the Updated Historic Lodge Rooms at Basin Harbor Club. Again, apologize for the bad IPHONE pictures -- better pictures to come.

The renovated lobby, including the new art gallery wall!

The new boat club at Basin Harbor, including a large dock for 60 boats, has its very own bathrooms with showers and a lounge room. LOVED doing these spaces!

Cringing at my bad info pic -- but you get the "picture". The new boat house bathrooms for the docks on Lake Champlain!

Gaines Marina Store in Rouses Point, New York, is just about done in this picture. Needs a little styling touch -- which will come soon in another post with an awesome before and after of this dock side marina and boat store!

What an honor it was to be asked once again by the amazingly talented folks of TruexCullins Architecture and Interior Design to be a part of their interior design team for a motel redo in Jackson Hole. Formely known as The Painted Buffalo Motel, it is now the amazingly cool, Mountain Modern Motel. This project was right up my alley-- budget-friendly project with fun and funky ideas, including reusing some of the materials already in the building. Thank you to Kim Deetjen and the entire team at TruexCullins and the folks in Jackson Hole for having me play a key role in this design process. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product this summer. Wait till you see the LOBBY too! #motel #makeover #consulting #design #budgetfriendly #Jacksonhole #salvage #reuse #hip #lodging

BEFORE PICTURE

Photo from a great Country Living Magazine Blog Article about Motels Making a Come Back. http://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/a42036/motels-are-making-a-comeback/

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF PICTURES on the NEW MOUNTAIN MODERN MOTEL (formerly known as the PAINTED BUFFALO MOTEL) http://mountainmodernmotel.com/#

I was thrilled to get a call from Apartment Therapy and their sister site, Kitchn, asking me to help them with some easy DIY's for their client Folgers. I headed down to NYC for a few days (with a suitcase full of felt, glue guns, and other craft goods) and we made three fabulous DIY's together. Their team is amazing, professional and fun. I can't wait to work with them again. Want to see the videos and the step by steps. Just click on the links (yes, still trying to figure out how to link a picture--hay--I have other skills!) Joanne

Who doesn't love flipping through their Pottery Barn catalog when it arrives in the mail. I do. It is so fun to see the amazing styling and design ideas. I especially love their lighting -- which I buy for many clients --and their holiday decor is always a blast to check out. So I made a few things that reminded me of their great holiday style -- using some yarn, fabric, pine cones, acorns...and some other goodies I found -- I created a Do-It-Yourself holiday wreath, mantel decor, table settings and personalized custom made wrapping paper! Hope you have fun making some of these too! Happy Holidays... DIY style! HoHoHo...Joanne

Pom Pom Garland -- how much fun was this to make with my mom and daughter.

It is so easy to make an acorn cap heart. All you need is a drill and a stiff piece of copper wire. Add in some vintage brackets, pieces of old porch post (sprayed gold) and some vintage metal fencing and mini wheel -- and voila -- you have a gorgeous country living display.

Old jewelry pieces turned into ornaments. I did this DIY's for DIY NETWORK. One of the many holiday projects I did for them.

Table decor inspired by an apothecary look...These acorn lights are from Gardener's Supply Catalog -- a company I style for. Love them!!

On my trip to Florida a couple of weeks ago, my Mom and I went shell hunting. We could not believe our luck when we found all these (it was after the super moon...). Add some faux leaves and berries and created a fun Christmas table display for her Florida home.

Had a great time at the Country Living Fair in Atlanta last week. One of the things I got to do was a LIVE video feed on how to make a vintage inspired sign. Can't believe it has over 86,000 views! You can follow this video for instructions on how to make your own sign. Or check our my step by step on DIY NETWORK for the JOY Sign you see here. Either way -- just have fun! And show me your signs! Joanne :)

Seriously...who doesn't love Halloween?!? It seems like it gets early and early that people start to see products for it. But me...I'm still a last minute seat-of-my pants gal. So, if you are like me, you are just scrambling to get your stuff out. So here are some fun, easy DIY's that I've made for myself and many I made for DIY NETWORK (link through for the Step by Steps). Pumpkin Topiaries, Creepy Signs for Your Walkway, Lanterns to Light it Up, Wreaths, Dream catcher, a fun party bar, and much more! Have a spooky and fun Halloween. Stay in Touch! (See my social media links) XOXO Joanne

This easy Halloween Entrance Post is made from a vintage railing and some craft pieces. See it here on DIY NETWORK. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-make-a-haunted-hotel-sign-for-halloween

Seriously creepy spider topiary -- so fun to make! See all the topiaries I made for DIY NEWORK here. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/halloween-pumpkin-topiary-with-spiders

This Halloween Walkway Lantern is one of my very favorite I've done for DIY NETWORK. This was so easy -- some recycled picture frames, printed vintage bats, skulls and more, and some duck tape...you got it...duck tape. See it here...http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-make-halloween-lanterns

A friend and I went out into the woods and got some vines, cut them down and wrapped them around a wooden floral form with wire. Then I sprayed it all black and hung some plastic spiders off of it...Seriously simple! Halloween wreaths...gotta love it!

This is truly an ancestor of mine. Not sure who it is...my Mom would know...Anyway...all I did was print it out with a vintage look (just changed the saturation of the color) and then squeezed in some moss and a spider than slide it all back together. This is at the entrance way so when the neighbors come by, they grab a cookie and a look at my genetic history!! :)

I call this my nightmare catcher. You can make them from an old bicycle tire rim, a vintage dollie painted black, some yarn and scraps of fabric. Hang them in the trees around the house, great for a Halloween party.

This Halloween Skull wall hanging took me less than 2 hours. I used a scrap of plywood we had lying around-- painted it black and then outlined a skull head in chalk, then using my drill, screwed in screws (only 1/2 way) and then wrapped the screws in orange yarn! Is there glow-in-the-dark yarn? Hmmmm...that would be cool too!

I used an old restaurant cart for this project. A perfect bar cart for a Halloween party! See instructions here...http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-create-a-spooky-halloween-bar-pictures

This pumpkin topiary I made for DIY NETWORK does double duty-- great for the fall, Thanksgiving and Halloween. So pretty. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/6-ways-to-make-a-pumpkin-topiary-pictures

Let's get this party started...with a faux pumpkin bonfire! This way you can bring it out year after year! http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-make-a-halloween-pumpkin-faux-bonfire

Craft time with the kids! This Halloween craft is so easy. Love making these! Recycled jars, paint the caps black. Spooky Terrariums!! Glue the stuff to the caps and inside the jar! See it on DIY NETWORK...http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-make-halloween-terrariums

Don't forget the flowers! These Halloween craft recycled bottles and jars are so fun to make. I just used yarns and a hot glue gun. If you are going to a party -- it makes a great gift and some awesome decorations.

Birds of a feather...stick together! Hope you enjoyed the blog post. This wreath is just one of dozens I've made for DIY NETWORK. This is an easy fall wreath. Recycled chicken wire, feathers and some faux birds! Want to make it creepier? Add some fake crows instead. Have fun and stay in touch! Joanne http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-make-a-wreath-from-chicken-wire-and-feathers

I'd be pleased and honored if you wanted to PIN, FACEBOOK SHARE or LINK to this site for this post. Feel free to use this picture :) Thanks! Joanne

I'm so excited that after years of dreaming about doing this design idea -- I actually got to do it in a recent project -- a giant wall mural. And even better, I got to do it with ice cream.

So how it began. Tim Williams, the owner of Archie's (a burger restaurant that I also designed the space for) asked me if I was ready to design an ice cream shop next door. Of course I was ready! HELLO! I was born ready...

First, I collected antique ice cream scoops wherever I went. If I was at a fair, I picked some up...at a volleyball tournament and stopping by an antique shop, I got some. It was easy because, for my salvage, vintage design presentations and book signings, I was at a lot of these places shopping anyway. It was fun to have a particular item to search for.

Once I had them all, I picked out anantique board from my large board/prop collection -- I use a lot of these for backdrops for photo shoots. Then I laid the scoops on the board and marked their exact positions with a pencil dot under them.

Tim made some sample batches of the HOMEMADE ice cream to be used in the photo shoot. He wanted to make sure it was his ice cream we used and not just the flavors he was selling.

Then Susan Teare, my dear friend and photographer, came down to my house and we did some math -- or to say -- LIndsay Raymondjack (who photo-shopped the picture) and Kevin McGrath at Offset House (who was printing it) -- did the math. You see -- we could not take it as ONE giant picture--because where were blowing this up to 20 feet by 5 feet -- so the photo would have been too pixiilated (spelling?) and the picture was being put up as panels. So once the size and DPI was determined correctly, we went to work on measuring the board and putting everything into position.

AND -- the ice cream would have melted by the time we scooped the last few.

So with a board that was taped off in sections -- we took photos of 3-4 scoops at a time. We had to make sure we slide the board down the floor on the EXACT same line.

Once the 4 pictures where done --Lindsay worked her magic (took out some board holes and splits, and fixed any small stray pieces of ice cream, etc... then got the images to Kevin at Offset and he then made sure they all lined up (with a small overlap on each picture to line them up.

Then they where hung -- very carefully.

IPHONE PIC...Soon better ones to come of the whole shop :)

VOILA! By far the biggest hit in the shop (after the ice cream of course).

HAVE FUN MAKING YOUR OWN WALL MURAL--Thanks to OFFSET HOUSE, VERMONT, SUSAN TEARE and LINDSAY RAYMONDJACK and Tim Williams, THE SCOOP, SHELBURNE, VERMONT.